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The Academy
GO FOR THE GOLD with the finest in Martial Arts instruction. Become a champion in school, business and life by enrolling in any of our top-rated programs. Our Team? Well, see below and feel free to give us a call today to schedule your first interview with one of core instructors.
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Martial Arts Instructor, Master/Guro David Greco, has been studying martial arts for over 30 years. His principal martial arts style is Japanese Kempo, with a strong focus on the philosophy, concepts, and principles as taught with Kosho Ryu. Many of his early years of study were in American Kempo -Tracy and Parker systems, and other styles that provided the base for his own system and success today. Additional experience is in JKD, Wing Chun, Filipino Arts, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Grappling/Submission Wrestling Arts, and Indonesian Silat that has become a part of his own dynamic system.
David is the owner and Head Instructor of the Midwest Academy of United Martial Arts, Inc. and founder of the Armas De Mano Filipino Arts Academy, and Midwest Defensive Tactics Division located in Frankfort, Illinois. After years of teaching within his residence, other dojos, camps, and in nationwide seminars, he set up instruction locally to offer peak fitness and martial arts classes to the general public. He holds martial arts seminars and supports nationwide events in an effort to promote unity.
His belief in teaching concepts and principles associated with the study of natural laws and principles related to body motion/movement provides the practitioner with advanced methods to strengthen his/her fundamental skills. Students of all ages are encouraged to look for the similarities amongst the various martial disciplines offered, study them all, and prepare themselves for the journey ahead. Don’t be fooled by singular systems being the panacea to being the best, or instructors with little tenure in the industry. Harvest your experiences around multiple systems and enjoy the benefits of growth and struggle along the path.

Saqib M. Guro Saqib has been with the Academy for 15 years and is an assistant instructor within the JKD program. He is also a student within the Indonesian Silat program and supports the training of new students. When it comes to energizing the current and new students, Saqib gets it done!

Paul F is a senior student within the Academy and supports the training of students in the JKD and Wing Chun programs. He is a long-time student who can blend the Arts and provide the students with new challenges.
Tough question! At the Midwest Academy of United Martial Arts we have designed our programs to continually challenge, reward, and motivate students. With each new belt, students are able to set and achieve new goals. Our curriculum was carefully designed to give students fresh material and challenging skills to learn at each belt level that will excite and motivate them at every step. Finally, we provide a $50 referral fee to any student with a new student introduction. We also have a Kids Night Out..this is a blast, participate in local Business Expo, and new to 2014 CPR Certification. Show us commitment…we will gladly reciprocate!
Kata, or form, are a sequence of choreographed movements performed against an imaginary set of opponents. They embed the code to defend oneself, yet many practitioners oversee this very important function in the performance of a kata. They should be performed with a mindset – monkey form is different than a tiger form. As well, no two people will perform the kata the same way, and nor should he/she due to their anatomical, physical and mental differences. When done properly, a student will be tired after having completed even a basic kata.
Start by finding the center of the belt and hold it up to your front. Wrap one end of the belt all the way around the body and back to the front. Wrap the other end around on top of the first piece, and bring it back to the front.
Next, take the end that is on the outside; bring it underneath both pieces of the belt, from the bottom side up to the top. Take this piece and bring it back to the outside, wrap it over the top of the other end, and then thread it through the loop that was just created, from the bottom to the top. Finally, pull both ends straight to the sides to tighten.
Note: The opening of the know is always to the left. Still a challenge… Feel free to click on the attached .pdf file for assistance.
No. Sparring is not required within all of our programs. In BJJ, rolling is required to engage the techniques associated within the system. BJJ students are paired with other students of their own size and ability level. Students are never required to roll against another student with whom they are not comfortable. The same would hold true within the Muay Thai class. We would consider light sparring to be a part of your training to gain a similar understanding. Overall. We are a non-compete Academy, but for the avid cardio-driven student, we welcome the opportunity to work with you privately if you want to “kick it up a notch.”
The whole belt tradition began within the Judo system, Jigoro Kano…believe it or not. Each colored stripe represents a different skill set. Each is outlined in more detail (testing requirements for rank) within the Student Handbook.
At Midwest Academy of United Martial Arts, our programs and class schedules are specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s active families. Because no two students are alike, our programs are based on achieving a specific ability level, and the timeframe to reach that goal is determined by each student’s unique circumstances. Students are required to attend classes twice per week minimum. The Adult Kempo Karate students may attend classes up to four times per week. The Journey is important, and therefore we expect commitment.
A question not universally agreed upon by many instructors, there are benefits to Martial Arts training for every age. Our Little Protectors, ages 10 – 12, and Jr Adults ages 13 – 16, programs are designed for students with the following objectives in mind:
- Build Self-respect
- Develop Self-discipline
- Instill values and Build character
- Improve Coordination
- Improve Flexibility, Strength, and Agility
- Improve Concentration/Focus
- Instill a Positive Attitude and avoid conflict
Martial arts training offers a non-competitive atmosphere with incredible benefits. Beyond simply learning self-defense skills in any age bracket, the students learn to accept the struggles that go along with it. They venture out into unfamiliar territory, and become transformed right before your eyes!










